Obituary of Jo Ann Bennison

Jo Ann Bennison, 69, of Castleton passed away at home on Nov. 16, 2022.  Born in Albany to Beverly (Baccei) and the late Donald Relyea.  Prior to moving back to the area Jo Ann lived in Cobleskill and had a career as a public health nurse for 33 years.  She worked as a staff nurse in Washington County, supervising nurse in Schoharie County, Director of Patient Services in Montgomery County and eventually retired after 19 years as the Executive Director for the NYS Association of County Health Officials. 

Her retirement came just in time to be an integral part of her grandchildren’s lives, allowing her to travel to Boston to support her daughter and their family before during and after the birth of their twins.  Jo Ann was a doting grandmother, cherished time spent with her family, and facilitated family time even when her husband Charles had to work out of town.  She always made sure they were together.  She would travel at the drop of a hat to assist the children because that was the type of person she was.  As anyone who knew her would tell you her door was always open.  

Her life revolved around family and public service, she volunteered at The Anchor Food Pantry in Castleton and was an integral part of the operations there.  She was simply a selfless person and just wanted to help people.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her loving husband Charles J. Bennison of Castleton; son, Kevin C. Bennison (Kara Mears) of Burlington, VT; daughter, Shelley M. (Zachary G.) Palmer of Schodack Landing; sisters, Donna A. Relyea of Castleton and Mary J. (Pierce) Mahar of Guilderland; grandchildren, Vivienne I. and Andrew C. Palmer; niece, Sarah Mahar of Boston; nephew, Nicholas Mahar of Guilderland and her brother-in-law William (Patricia) Bennison of Ballston Spa. 

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Castleton Funeral Home 59 Seaman Ave. Castleton, NY 12033 on Sunday, Nov. 20 from 4-7PM.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 10AM in the Chapel of the Sisters of the Resurrection, 35 Boltwood Ave. Castleton-On-Hudson, NY 12033.  Interment will follow in Horizon View Cemetery, Castleton.  In lieu of flowers donations in honor of Jo Ann may be made to the Schodack Central School District Business Office 1477 S. Schodack Road, Castleton, NY 12033 in order to set up a scholarship fund in her memory.